A FUGITIVE FROM THE ENEMY
The Fatimé came to anchor just inside of the New Mole, not more than three cable lengths distant from the Guardian-Mother. When Louis first saw her off the castle at Tangier, he concluded that the Pacha had business at that port. When seen three months before, he declared that he held no official position under the government; but this might have been, even while he was one of the most influential men of his country.
If His Highness had business on the Mediterranean, especially at Tangier, which was a Moroccan port, it could not have been very pressing, or he would not have been at liberty to follow the Maud. Now he seemed to have a roving commission to go where and when he pleased. As the voyagers had learned at Funchal, he was a lawless character; and this information had been fully confirmed by Felipe, who had observed his outgoings and his incomings as engineer of the little steamer.
After Mr. Boulong had taken possession of the Maud and his men had been stationed on board of her, Felipe, who had been obliged to remain in charge of the engine when the rest of the ship's company left, was in a very disturbed state of mind. From the starboard door of his apartment he had seen the Fatimé when she rounded the end of the New Mole and came to anchor. He was absolutely terrified at the sight of her, for he knew that the Pacha was on board. But he had not been told that the distinguished Moor claimed to own the Maud, and had recognized Scott on board of her, for Louis thought this information would needlessly alarm him.
Captain Ringgold descended the gangway steps and went into the cabin of the Maud, in order that he might be close at hand to direct any movement that might become necessary. The commander had hardly seated himself before Felipe, who had seen him when he came on board, presented himself before him.
"He take me!" exclaimed the young Spaniard, pointing in the direction of the anchorage of the Pacha's steamer; and his limbs actually shook with terror.
"No, he will not take you, Felipe; he will not take anybody," replied the captain in a mild tone.
"I run away with the Salihé, and he have the law," added the engineer.
"He may cause you to be arrested; but if he does, I will see that you are properly defended," replied the commander, who realized that the young man was technically guilty of stealing the little steamer, though she had been returned to the owner.
"No matter if you did run away with the Salihé; the Pacha abused you, and you were justified in leaving him in any way you could. My feet would not keep still if my body was abused," said Captain Ringgold, though he realized that the case presented some difficulties.